The countdown to the eagerly-awaited British & Irish Lions tour to Australia continued as the international bench-warmers returned to Aviva Premiership and RaboDirect Pro12 action.

As we all tick off the days until the team depart Down Under, ESPNscrum will cast an eye across the action and pinpoint those players eligible for the elite tourists who are pushing their selection claims with strong performances. But luckily there is still a lot of rugby to be played until the squad board the plane for Hong Kong and plenty of time for hopes to rise and fall.

A Lion in 2009 but his stock has fallen in Ireland since. However he was in sharp form at fullback for Leinster this weekend and could yet come into the reckoning for Ireland given the number of injuries they have suffered recently.

Opportunities were few and far between for Wade but the finish for his try was sensational, as was an outside break on the similarly fleet-of-foot Jonny May. It is only a matter of time before he lights up the international stage with his electric feet.

Given the paucity of top centre performances this week and the class of Patchell's display against Edinburgh, the young Cardiff fly-half is included in our team of the week as a ball-playing 12. Too early for Wales recognition, and the Lions certainly, but one for the future undoubtedly.

The London Irish winger drew rave reviews from director of rugby Brian Smith despite his side slumping to a heavy defeat to Bath. Smith is tipping him to break into the England squad sooner rather than later.

With Owen Farrell nailing down the England No.10 shirt with impressive authority, Flood has been left in the shade. But he stepped back into the limelight against Quins, scoring a try and setting one up in a good display despite his team's defeat.

Care is a genuine contender for the Lions tour, and Test team, despite playing second fiddle to Ben Youngs at international level. The Quins No.9 scored a terrific try and was a constant threat against the Tigers.

The giant Sarries prop has impressed off the bench for England recently but given a start for his club, he showed his true potential with two tries, an indomitable display in the scurm and relentless ball carrying.

The former England tight-head prop dominated Exeter at the scrum, played a central role in Sarries' burgeoning off-loading game and scored a try to boot. A Lions call is not out of the question in this form.

The industrious Glasgow openside has dropped down the pecking order for Scotland due to injury and intense competition. But he remains a quality operator at the breakdown and his display against the Dragons suggests he is close to his best again.